There’s one thing extremely underrated about road-tripping by northern Poland.
Perhaps it’s as a result of it doesn’t scream for consideration like Italy or France. Perhaps it’s as a result of individuals assume Poland is simply pierogi, vodka and gray communist leftovers (which is wildly unfair, by the way in which).
However this route – ranging from the amber-hued streets of Gdańsk and ending deep in lake nation – is a low-key revelation.
You get medieval castles, misty forests, sleepy canal cities, and lakes that seem like they’ve been Photoshopped into existence.
It’s additionally wildly reasonably priced in comparison with Western Europe, and also you received’t be jostling with vacationer mobs at each viewpoint.
Right here’s methods to do it proper.
Route Overview
Gdańsk → Malbork → Elbląg → Ostróda (non-obligatory) → Olsztyn → Mrągowo → Mikołajki (non-obligatory) → Giżycko
Plan for 7–10 days, longer when you’re the type of one that loses monitor of time by lakes or in candlelit fort courtyards.
This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks.
Begin: Gdańsk – cobblestones & sea air
Start in Gdańsk, a metropolis that feels Baltic however carries the architectural aptitude of Amsterdam and the resilience of Berlin.
It’s Poland, sure – however with a robust Hanseatic twist, due to centuries of commerce, struggle, and rebirth.
This metropolis was flattened in WWII after which painstakingly rebuilt, brick by brick, into the pastel-fronted charmer you see at present.
Stroll down Dlugi Targ (Lengthy Market), get misplaced within the amber retailers, and climb the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica for views over the red-tiled roofs.
For a heavier dose of recent historical past, the European Solidarity Centre is a masterclass in storytelling, particularly when you’re into Chilly Warfare-era drama.
Eat: Pierogi, in fact, but additionally attempt goldwasser liqueur (sure, the one with actual gold flakes). Seafood is surprisingly good right here too – thank the Baltic.
Keep: Base your self within the Previous City for walkability, or on Granary Island in order for you a barely extra design-y resort vibe.
Cease 1: Malbork – a fort constructed to intimidate
About an hour inland is Malbork, residence to the largest brick fort on this planet.
It’s a medieval fortress constructed by the Teutonic Knights within the thirteenth century.
I’d say it’s extra imposing than romantic – like a Sport of Thrones set that no person’s Instagrammed to loss of life (but).
You’ll be able to simply spend half a day exploring the maze of halls, refectories, courtyards and defensive towers.
The audioguide is definitely good (uncommon), and provides you perception into simply how power-hungry these knights had been.
Professional tip: Arrive early. Tour buses are likely to roll in mid-morning, and the fort has a means of swallowing teams complete when you’re not forward of them.
Keep or transfer on? Until you’re a fort obsessive, drive on and sleep in Elbląg or Ostróda.
Cease 2: Elbląg & the canal you need to see to consider
Elbląg is small, scenic, and sometimes neglected – however when you’re into engineering quirks and gradual journey, that is the place issues get fascinating.
The Elbląg Canal is a Nineteenth-century marvel that makes use of inclined planes (learn: your boat will get wheeled uphill on tracks) to cope with the tough terrain.
It’s a kind of issues that’s extra enjoyable than it sounds – and a unique approach to spend a lazy afternoon.
If you happen to’re tight on time, you don’t have to do the complete experience. Simply seeing a ship glide over grass is sufficient of a “wait, what?” second.
Keep: Both Elbląg for the outdated city really feel, or push to Ostróda, a relaxed lakeside city that’s a very good place to sleep and reset.
Cease 3: Olsztyn – crimson brick, forest air, and nicolaus copernicus
Now you’re heading into the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship, the place issues begin to really feel quieter and greener.
Olsztyn is the capital, and it’s greater than only a pitstop. There’s a fort (in fact), which as soon as housed Copernicus when he was calculating the motion of celestial our bodies prefer it was no large deal.
The outdated city is compact and easygoing, with red-brick metropolis gates and a laid-back vibe.
It’s additionally surrounded by lakes and forest, so you could possibly simply combine a little bit of city exploring with a day paddleboard session or lakeside bike experience.
Eat: Head to Karczma Jana for rustic Polish meals executed correctly; assume wild mushroom soups, duck with apples, and heat apple cake.
Cease 4: Mrągowo – the highway journey candy spot
That is the place the journey hits its stride. Mrągowo is a lakeside city that almost all worldwide travellers have by no means heard of – however locals flock right here in summer time for kayaking, mountaineering, and lakeside BBQs.
The city itself is modest, however the environment are peak Poland-in-nature: dense forests, winding roads, and glassy lakes that one way or the other keep quiet even in excessive season.
If you happen to’re after peace and outside time with out feeling completely off-grid, that is your candy spot.
Detour thought: Take a aspect journey to Święta Lipka, a baroque pilgrimage church that seems in the midst of nowhere, like somebody dropped a Polish Versailles into the woods. The organ alone is definitely worth the detour.
Non-compulsory Cease: Mikołajki
A brief drive from Mrągowo is Mikołajki, a lake resort city that will get buzzy in July and August.
If you happen to like your lakes with a aspect of vitality – yachts, ice cream stands, waterfront eating places – this can be a great place to spend an evening. It’s a bit of touristy, however charming nonetheless.
It’s additionally a hub for water sports activities and boat leases, so when you’ve been eyeing the water from the automobile, now’s your likelihood to get on it.
Remaining cease: Giżycko – fortress views & masurian calm
Finish your journey in Giżycko, a city within the coronary heart of the Masurian Lake District – aka Poland’s reply to the Lake District however with fewer crowds and extra reasonably priced boat leases.
Right here, you’ll discover lakes so vast they could as properly be seas, and a tempo of life that encourages naps, lengthy swims, and gradual meals.
There’s additionally a Nineteenth-century Prussian fortress, Boyen Fortress, that’s value exploring when you’re not utterly zen-ed out by this level.
Take a sundown cruise. Or hire a motorcycle and experience the lakeside paths. Or simply discover a hammock and let the remainder of the world do its factor.
Keep: Go for a lakeside guesthouse or agriturismo-style keep. Resort St. Bruno is a transformed Teutonic fort if you wish to finish with a contact of old-world drama.
Remaining Ideas
Northern Poland sneaks up on you. It’s not a area of flashy landmarks or showy sights – it’s a gradual burn however in one of the simplest ways.
The true appeal is within the quiet breakfasts by the lake, the forests that scent like pine and damp earth, the castles that haven’t been scrubbed too clear. It’s Europe, just a bit extra grounded.
So take the again roads. Ask the locals the place to get one of the best pierogi.
Go away area in your suitcase; you’ll be coming residence with smoked cheese, jars of untamed mushroom pickles, and doubtless a bottle of selfmade nalewka you swore you didn’t want.
